At ASAE09
How do you meet the needs of many at a single party?

By many, I mean thousands.
Of different generations.
And multiple likes.

Often, the farewell party at ASAE has been pretty much one-size fits all.

Appetizers galore.
A band popular in the 1970s.
In a big concert venue.

Toronto had some similar elements.

A variety of finger food.
RBTO – a tired [...]

When I was 5 years old, I went to a small elementary school that, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, provided a full turkey meal with all the trimmings for the students. That year, we had the traditional Thanksgiving with my mom’s side of the family at my aunt & uncle’s place on the day. Friday, we ate turkey leftovers. Saturday, my dad’s brother flew into town from Kentucky, just in time for the start of deer season. So we had another full Thanksgiving meal with Dad’s side of the family Saturday night. Sunday, when we got home from church, I asked my mom what we were having for dinner. She responded, “Turkey,” and I promptly burst into tears. She made me a peanut butter sandwich instead, and it was the best sandwich of my life.

So what does this have to do with social media and/or associations?

I went to the social media idea swap at ASAE earlier this week. And I’m really tired of turkey and still waiting for my PB&J.

Why is it always so damn basic? I feel like a broken record. I’m even getting tired of my own socmed schtick. Which means y’all must be about ready to kill yourselves.

This was promoted as a “you’re doing it – now what?” session, aka not remedial social media (for the 9,000th time). And yet, sure enough, there were people there who didn’t know the difference between Facebook and Twitter. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not knocking them – everyone has to start somewhere. But where are the forums for those of us who don’t need or want to go through, “This is a blog. This is a wiki. Has anyone ever heard of Twitter?” one more time? Although I think “mostly muffins” might be my new favorite phrase.

Honestly, the most useful thing, and again, this is not meant as a knock on anyone in the room or ASAE, was hearing about the 2 day social media workshop ASAE has planned for November. Think it will go beyond the basics? I sure hope so…
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No what I’m reading post today, mostly because I’m reading NACHRI HR and orientation paperwork, and nobody wants to hear about that.

Who’s coming to the CAE Celebration this afternoon?

It’s an annual event put on by the Greater Washington Network that celebrates the accomplishments of CAEs. About two years ago, we finagled inviting the new CAEs (June 2008 and January 2009 class this year) to join us for free.

This year’s program will focus on “What Keeps You Up at Night?” Clare Inzeo from ASAE will review the results of the economic impact study, after which incoming CAE Action Team chair Shelley Sanner and I will introduce Dan Roam’s Back of the Napkin concept. Then the participants will have the opportunity to apply Back of the Napkin principles to solving the problems their associations currently face. After we have a chance to report out, Johnson & Lambert and Veris Consulting will conduct the traditional stage walk for our new CAEs. And then we party!

I hope to see all the new (and many of the not-so-new) CAEs there!
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